CFH-to-F13B Locus Haplotype Analysis for AMD Risk Prediction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for predicting and diagnosing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are inadequate, particularly in identifying risk and protective variants within the broader genetic background of the CFH-to-F13B locus, which is crucial for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Innovation Solution

An in vitro method for determining Caucasian subjects' susceptibility to AMD by identifying specific haplotypes and SNPs within the CFH-to-F13B locus, such as H1_62_A, H2_62_A, and rs1061170, to indicate risk, need for treatment, or suitability for clinical trials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If haplotype studies focus only on CFH and CFHR2, then the analysis is simpler and more focused, but the broader genetic background and additional risk variants in the CFH-to-F13B locus are missed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk prediction accuracyVSAvoidgenetic analysis scope
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the CFH-to-F13B locus into distinct gene regions (CFH, CFHR1, CFHR2, CFHR3, CFHR4, CFHR5, and F13B) and develops specific haplotype identification methods for each segment. This allows comprehensive coverage of the entire locus while maintaining manageable analysis of individual gene regions, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive risk prediction and analytical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal haplotype identification system that can detect multiple risk and protective variants across the entire CFH-to-F13B locus using a standardized methodology. This multi-functional approach enables the same analytical framework to identify variants in different genes (CFH, CFHR1-5, F13B) and determine both risk and protective haplotypes, achieving comprehensive coverage without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If comprehensive haplotype analysis of the entire CFH-to-F13B locus is performed, then more risk and protective variants are identified, but the complexity and cost of genetic testing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesusceptibility determination accuracyVSAvoidtesting methodology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by identifying specific haplotypes with distinct functional characteristics in different regions of the CFH-to-F13B locus. Each gene region (CFH, CFHR1-5, F13B) is analyzed for its unique haplotype patterns and risk/protective associations. This region-specific approach maintains high reliability in susceptibility determination while managing complexity through focused analysis of functionally distinct segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the analytical parameters by developing specific haplotype identification methods that can detect multiple variants simultaneously across the locus. By establishing standardized haplotype nomenclatures and frequency thresholds for different gene regions, the patent transforms complex genetic data into standardized, interpretable parameters that maintain reliability while reducing analytical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2704800B1Methods of predicting the development of complement-mediated disease
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 UNIV OF UTAH RES FOUND
  • EP2704800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2704800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2704800B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of complement-mediated disease.